Film Reflection - Dirty Pretty Things

Film Reflections – Dirty Pretty Things

This film made me empathize with the plight of those who live in the shadows of our ‘civilized’ world and do whatever they need to survive. The actor who played the lead Okwe was able to draw you into his fears of getting caught (and deported) and with his strong morality. The terrible conditions the characters had to live in and deal with (the slimy and manipulative boss, the constant fear of being caught, the dehumanization by the people [other illegal immigrants] who preyed on the characters) and the decisions they had to make which were driven by this fear and inability to do the right thing.

This film made me aware of an underclass of people that I was not truly aware of. The film’s director made it easy to relate to and connect with the vulnerabilities of the characters. The way the film tackled the issue of illegal immigrants and how they are subject to use and abuse by morally corrupt people with power over them. Their dreams of a better life living in a rich developed country counter-imposed with the reality that they are faced with once they arrive.

The scenes/images that struck me were mainly around Okwe’s struggles with doing what he knew to be right and moral vs. doing what was necessary to keep himself safe. Witnessing the character’s inner turmoil at wanting to stop the organ selling underground market and at the same time considering to participate in it so as to make it safer for the shadowy souls who are trading their organs for passports. The scenes with the ‘evil’ Senior Juan made the plight of the ‘good’ main characters more stark by their contrast. I especially liked the scene when Senior Juan was justifying the practice, stating how it is good for everyone involved. Nobody knows the evil that lurks in men’s hearts, and the mental gymnastics they will go through to justify their actions.

As far as influencing my attitude toward the subject; this film - as well as another assigned...